Thimpu, or Thimphu, is the capital of Bhutan. It lies on the Thimphu River, amidst a green Himalayan valley. The strict government policy restricting "foreign cultural influences" has preserved the traditional Bhutanese way of life in Thimpu. In Thimpu, you will see everybody dressed in traditional Bhutanese garments, and all buildings are built in traditional Bhutanese style, with gracefully arched pagodas.
Thimpu is reputed to be the only capital city that does not need any traffic signals. So if you take a stroll down the city center or visit the bustling market, you will not experience any blaring stereos or polluting lorries, as is the case with many capital cities in the world.
The Tashi Choe Dzong Fort is worth a visit. This is the main administrative building of Bhutan, and houses the sitting rooms of the Bhutanese monarch and the National Assembly. Thimpu does not have any museums or art galleries, and that is what sets it apart from other national capitals. The real charm lies in the offbeat locations like the Hospital selling herbal medicines, or the Dzong Chusum institute, housing a collection or religious books.
A visit to the bustling marketplaces is a must for a keen sightseer. There are no big malls or shopping arcades in Thimpu, but this is amply compensated by the helpful nature of the shopkeepers. The shops stock lovely handicraft items, and skillfully woven shawls and decorated prayer wheels.
A short drive outside the city brings you to the Royal Palace that houses the reigning monarch of Bhutan. Close to the Palace is the Tangu Cherry monastery, an old building dating back to several hundred years.